Top Dental Implant FAQs Asked by Patients
Dental implants have emerged as a revolutionary solution to replace missing teeth, offering a semi-permanent, natural-looking alternative. If you're considering this restorative dentistry option, it's natural to have questions. The following are some of the most common queries we receive about dental implants.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a prosthetic device that is designed to replace a missing tooth with a natural-looking and functional alternative. This innovative treatment involves the placement of a titanium screw into the jawbone, which serves as a durable and long-lasting replacement root. The titanium implant becomes an integral part of the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, ensuring stability and strength. A carefully crafted abutment is then attached to the implant, acting as a connector for the final touch—a customized porcelain crown that seamlessly blends with the patient's natural teeth.
What Are the Different Types of Implants?
There are two common types of dental implants that cater to different needs:
Endosteal implants (these are the most common for patients with a healthy jawbone)
Zygomatic implants (these involve a more complex procedure for patients with inadequate jawbone)
These two options combined have made dental implants accessible to a broader range of individuals, including those who were previously considered poor candidates. At our dental office, we place endosteal implants made out of titanium and zirconium.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Natural Look and Feel: Dental implants are designed to look and even feel like a person's real teeth.
Improved Facial Structure and Appearance: Missing teeth can result in jaw bone shrinkage and alter facial structure by causing the cheeks and lips to sink inward. Additionally, these changes may impact dental occlusion, affecting the alignment of upper and lower teeth.
Comfort and Convenience: Implants eliminate potential sore spots, messy adhesives, and the need for nightly removal, which are all common with dentures.
Enhanced Confidence: Dental implants provide a stable and non-removable solution without the fear of embarrassing slips like those that can occur with dentures.
Improved Eating Experience: Dental implants function like natural teeth, making eating an enjoyable experience. Since they don't cover the roof of your mouth like dentures do, you can fully taste and enjoy your food. Furthermore, their durability allows you to eat crunchy foods like carrots and apples so that you can have a varied and healthy diet.
Improves Speech: Implants allow you to speak confidently without worrying about garbled speech or your teeth slipping, because they stay securely in place while you talk.
Bone Stimulation and Growth: Over time, patients wearing removable dentures often face a significant challenge—the gradual loss of bone. As this bone loss occurs, wearing removable dentures becomes increasingly challenging. This type of bone loss doesn't happen with dental implants because they act like natural teeth and contribute to bone stimulation and growth.
Durability: With proper care, implants offer a lasting and reliable solution (see the answer to “Are Dental Implants Long-Lasting” lower down for more information).
Reduced Chance of Loss: An implant tooth can't be removed, so it can't be lost!
What Risks Are Associated With Dental Implants?
Dental implant safety is of utmost importance in our dental office. As with any minor oral surgery, there's a potential for infection, inflammation, and discomfort. However, an experienced dentist, like Dimitri Salin DDS, will guide you in proper dental implant care based on your unique situation so that your implants will be highly likely to succeed.
Will People Notice I Have a Dental Implant?
Dental implants offer a natural appearance as they don't rely on neighboring teeth for support, which eliminates the need for visible brackets or wires. The custom-made crown is constructed to match the shape, size, and color of your existing teeth so the artificial tooth blends right in and looks like a natural tooth. Additionally, you can be confident that your implant will not shift or become dislodged, revealing that you've undergone a tooth replacement.
How Successful Are Dental Implants?
Dental implant procedures have stood the test of time, emerging in the 1970s as a secure and dependable remedy for tooth replacement. One study undertaken by Drs. Naito, Lung, and Linke over a 10-year period found the implant success rate to be 99.7%. This study, along with many others, has solidified dental implants as one of the most effective and trusted dental solutions for replacing missing teeth.
How Is the Procedure Carried Out?
The dental implant process can vary based on factors such as implant type and individual dental health. However, the following provides a brief overview of the dental implant procedure:
Diagnostic tests to determine if dental implants are suitable for you
Tooth extraction, if required
Bone graft, if needed
Titanium post placement
Abutment placement
Impressions for the crown
Crown placement
At our Bakersfield, CA dental office, we conduct the procedure in multiple stages, incorporating healing intervals between each stage. This meticulous approach ensures the robustness of your implants and significantly increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.
What Is the Average Recovery Time After the Procedure?
Curious about what to expect post-surgery? After the surgery, the initial healing phase typically lasts a week or longer. The recovery period after dental implant surgery can vary due to individual factors:
Procedure Complexity: The number of fixed implants involved in the surgery influences the recovery duration. Whether you're replacing a single tooth or multiple teeth, this aspect contributes to the healing timeline.
Bone Health and General Well-being: The condition of your jawbone and overall health play key roles. Individuals who underwent bone grafting may experience a prolonged recovery. Conditions like diabetes, which impacts blood circulation crucial for healing, can also extend the recovery timeline.
Lifestyle Factors: Smoking may lengthen recovery, as can non-compliance with care instructions. Those adhering strictly to the treatment plan typically experience a smoother and shorter recuperation.
How Long Does It Take To Get Dental Implants?
"How long does it take to get dental implants?" is a question we encounter frequently. Conventional dental implant treatment spans 6 months to 12 months, covering the initial consultation to the final crown placement. However, there can be potential extensions to this timeline to allow for pre-surgeries, such as bone grafting, or the treatment of gum disease.
Are Dental Implants Long-Lasting?
Dental implants stand out for their durability, offering a lasting solution when tooth replacement is required. Unlike natural teeth, implants are impervious to dental diseases like decay. However, how long dental implants last hinges on maintaining optimal oral health and involves a two-fold approach:
Diligent at-home care and adhering to good oral hygiene practices
Regular professional cleanings and check-ups with your implant dentist for proactive monitoring, allowing for early detection of potential issues and necessary interventions
Will Getting Dental Implants Hurt?
We are often asked if dental implants hurt. We understand the concerns about pain associated with dental implants. Contrary to common fears, the procedure is generally not very painful. Thanks to local anesthesia or IV sedation for dentistry, patients often report only minimal discomfort that can be alleviated by over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Advil or Tylenol.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dr. Salin requires the following to be met in order to consider dental implants:
You need to be a fully grown adult to get dental implants.
Healthy gums and a robust jawbone create a favorable environment.
The absence of periodontal disease in surrounding teeth is crucial.
Any existing gum disease or periodontitis would need to be treated before implantation.
Teeth neighboring the implant site should be free from cavities or decay.
How Are Dental Implants Different From Dentures
Dental implants differ significantly from dentures as they are fixed securely in the jawbone, offering unparalleled stability and a natural feel. Unlike removable dentures, implants eliminate concerns about slippage that could cause embarrassment, instead providing a permanent and secure solution. This stability allows individuals to confidently engage in daily activities without worry. With dental implants, the focus shifts from managing removable appliances to enjoying a seamless and comfortable experience akin to natural teeth.
What Is All-on-4?
The all-on-4 dental implant treatment is a revolutionary approach to replacing all missing teeth in one dental arch with just four strategically placed implants. This innovative solution is particularly advantageous for individuals who have experienced significant bone loss in the posterior regions of the mouth.
Are Dental Implants Removable Like Dentures or Are They Permanent?
Dental implants are not removable as they are securely anchored in the bone, providing a replacement for teeth that closely mimics their natural structure.
Can Dentures Be Made Into Implants?
While dentures themselves cannot directly be "made into" implants, there are innovative solutions available. Implants can be strategically placed beneath existing dentures, offering stabilization and support. This approach enhances comfort and eliminates worries about denture adhesives. If you're considering this transformation, consult with an experienced dentist to assess your current dentures and explore the best options for your individual needs.
Can Dental Implants Help if I Have Full Dentures or Partial Dentures?
Implants can play a pivotal role in providing stability and support for removable implant overdentures. These dentures securely snap onto the implants, eliminating the hassle of movement and reducing reliance on adhesives.
Alternatively, for those seeking a fixed solution, dental implants can anchor a fixed denture. This type of denture is securely bolted to the implants through titanium components, offering a permanent and non-removable solution.
I Have Several Missing Teeth Next to Each Other, Can I Get Implants?
In addressing the challenge of multiple adjacent missing teeth, implant technology showcases its versatility. It can provide support for a bridge, partial denture, or even a full denture. The appeal lies in the strategic placement of fewer implants to effectively support several missing teeth. For instance, a full denture, reinforced by implants, might only need as few as four implant posts.
How Much Do Implants Cost and Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Implants?
If you're considering implants, you probably have a pressing question: What is the cost of dental implants? Typically, a single-tooth implant falls within the range of $3,500 to $5,000 per tooth. On average, full-mouth dental implants can cost between $60,000 and $100,000.
This information might lead you to the next question: Does my dental insurance cover dental implants? Coverage for implant costs by your dental insurance depends significantly on your specific plan and the nature of the required treatment. However, we have tips to assist you in getting your dental implants covered by your insurance.
What if I Want "Metal-Free" Implants?
Practically all materials used for teeth replacements contain some trace of metal ions. Dental implants are crafted from a titanium alloy akin to materials used in hip, shoulder, and knee implants that boasts high biocompatibility. While hypersensitivity to titanium exists, its prevalence is probably quite low.
For those seeking a metal-free alternative, zirconia implants are an option. However, it's important to note that titanium implants are known for their exceptional strength, making them more durable and longer-lasting than zirconia implants. Studies have shown that zirconia implants have a lower survival rate than titanium ones. Patients considering metal-free options should weigh the lower risk of sensitivity to zirconia against the robustness of titanium for the most suitable dental implant choice.
Smile Again With Dental Implants
Dental implants stand as a transformative solution to restore your smile and oral health. Whether you're dealing with a missing tooth, uncomfortable dentures, or are worried about changes to your facial structure, implants offer a durable and natural-looking result. Their ability to integrate with the jawbone not only provides stability but also helps to prevent bone loss in the jaw.
To determine if dental implants are the right fit for you, consult with an experienced implant dentist. Their expertise will ensure proper placement and set the foundation for a long-lasting, confident smile. While there is a multitude of successful implant cases, understanding the benefits, potential risks, and aftercare instructions is crucial. With the right guidance and care, dental implants can enable you to smile with confidence and enjoy the lasting benefits of a complete, healthy set of teeth.